Protector of the Small: First Test

Keladry of Mindelan seeks to become the first openly female knight in over a century in the realm of Tortall. As a page at the royal palace, she must prove herself in combat training, academics, and character while facing opposition from those who believe girls don't belong in knighthood. The training is demanding, with lessons in fighting, riding, and weaponry alongside traditional academic subjects. Kel navigates complex social dynamics among her fellow pages while dealing with bullies, making allies, and caring for an injured sparrow that becomes her companion. A time of testing unfolds as Kel works to overcome both physical challenges and deep-rooted prejudices in the knight training system. Her principles of standing up for others and maintaining honor, even in difficult circumstances, guide her path forward. This opening novel in the Protector of the Small quartet examines themes of gender barriers, justice, and the true meaning of chivalry. Through Kel's experiences, the story questions what it means to be both a warrior and a protector in a changing society.

Readers appreciate the strong character development of Keladry, noting her determination and principles. Many reviews highlight how the book tackles bullying, discrimination, and standing up for what's right. Parents often recommend it for middle-grade readers, especially girls interested in fantasy. Likes: - Realistic portrayal of training and physical challenges - Focus on hard work rather than magic - Strong friendships and mentor relationships - Clear message about persistence Dislikes: - Slower pace compared to Pierce's other series - Less magic and fantasy elements - Some find Kel too perfect/mature for her age - Minor complaints about repetitive training sequences Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (48,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (500+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.7/5 (90+ ratings) Common reader comment: "A refreshing fantasy that shows how ordinary courage and determination can overcome obstacles, without relying on magical solutions."

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce A young girl disguises herself as a boy to train as a knight in the same world as First Test, following a similar path of determination against tradition and prejudice.

Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith A woman trains in combat and politics while fighting against class expectations in a fantasy world where magic and military skill intertwine.

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley A girl discovers her destiny as a warrior and learns to wield magic and swordsmanship in a desert kingdom where she must prove herself to a traditional military culture.

Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan An orphan boy enters elite military training and faces physical challenges, bullying, and intense combat education while learning to serve as a kingdom's protector.

Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George A girl forms alliances with dragons and challenges social conventions while navigating a world of politics and combat training in a royal court.

🏰 Though Keladry is the first official female page in over a century, she was inspired by "the Lioness" - Alanna of Trebond - who disguised herself as a boy to train as a knight years earlier. 📚 Author Tamora Pierce began writing Tortall stories at age 13, originally featuring herself as the main character before developing them into published works. ⚔️ The training regimen described in the book, including staff fighting and hand-to-hand combat, was researched from actual medieval page training practices. 🦉 The sparrows that befriend Keladry were inspired by Pierce's observations of real sparrows defending their territory against much larger birds. 🌟 This book launched a new era in Pierce's Tortall universe, being the first series to feature a female protagonist who didn't use magic or hide her gender to achieve her goals.